An Introduction to our Ageless Finishes
Finishes - one of the most important decisions you'll make when working on a design scheme. Over the years, our range of metal finishes has evolved and grown to incorporate a variety of different finishing methods and hues. But throughout this, we've always stayed true to two things:
Always hand-finished.
Always applied to the same grade solid brass, for a matching consistent finish across every product.
Over the last year, we've been testing other finishing methods, to try and create a range where, unlike our living finishes, the result is a metal finish that does not patinate or age over time.
The new ageless range
What is an ageless finish?
Our new ageless finishes are either naturally unchanging, or boast a protective coating that provides a timeless, durable appearance and resists the effects of ageing, such as tarnishing or wear, preserving the original aesthetic.
Using robust ceramic coating technology, we're able to suspend some of our original metal finishes in time, including the popular Mid Antique Brass Waxed (MABW), allowing the hardware to retain the same appearance as when it was first hand-finished.
This new ceramic coating has been through months of testing, where results have been analysed to ensure the ultimate durability that we know will satisfy you and your client's needs.
What's even better? The ceramic coated finishes from this collection resist fingerprints and can be used outside and even in coastal environments.
Where are the ageless finishes best used?
Where you decide to specify these ageless finishes is really dependent on what you're trying to achieve in your design scheme, however we do recommend them in the following circumstances:
When you or your client is looking for a finish that is the same as it was when first hand-finished, years down the line.
When you are specifying a property that is on the coast, and the hardware will be exposed to the elements.
You're exploring finishes for external hardware.
The hardware (internal or external) will be exposed to more moisture or chemicals than usual, for example in a spa or gym.
The hardware is in a high-traffic area, for example an hotel or a restaurant.
What is the advantage of using an ageless finish?
Ageless finishes have no specific advantages over living finishes aesthetically, as it is entirely depending on taste or the look you are trying to acheive, however there are three main benefits of ageless finishes:
They don't mark easily (no fingerprints!).
They are suitable for outdoor, high-traffic, or coastal environments.
They do not patinate or age.
Are there any drawbacks?
Whilst not necessarily a drawback, it's worth considering that some prefer the way our living finishes patinate individually over time, giving unique character, instead of a static finish.
Ageless vs. living metal finishes
Forming the other half of our range are our living finishes.
Characterised by the way they naturally change, developing a unique patina over time, over living finishes are loved for the way they age gracefully, adding a certain depth to a design.
Produced by either careful and extensive polishing and brushing of the surface or by working a patination solution into the surface of the metal until the required patina is acheived, the hand-finishing process and the level of detail our skilled finishes go into on each piece makes developing these finishes a true craft.
The key difference to note between these two metal finish types is the ageing process. Are you looking for hardware that remains the same over time; an evergreen aesthetic? Or is your scheme more suited to hardware that will age gracefully with the space, developing its own unique look?
Both types offer beautiful finishes in their own right, but it's down to the application (for example, a spa or living room, indoors or outdoors) of the hardware, aesthetic preference and the finish that is best suited to the space.
How to specify our metal finishes
Our range of finishes, both living and ageless, are available across almost all of our range of interior hardware. Simply select the product you wish to explore, and you'll be able to view the finishes available for that product.
For prices and lead times, you can create an account with us here. Having an account with us means simply means you can configure any product as you wish, down to finish and quantities, and receive an accurate price.
We hope this has been a helpful read as you navigate the new finish options! As always, we're here to support you in the specification of hardware on your projects. Please don't hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions or would like advice.
You can reach us at info@josephgiles.com or +44 (0)20 8680 2602.